James Russell is a dedicated lawyer at Burchell MacDougall LLP, bringing a compassionate and understanding approach to his practice in Nova Scotia. Originally hailing from Wallace Bay, James’s roots in Nova Scotia run deep, and he currently resides in Fletchers Lake with his wife, Sarah. His journey to law began with a Bachelor of Commerce degree from Saint Mary’s University, where his interest in law was sparked through undergraduate coursework. This initial curiosity led him to Dalhousie University’s Schulich School of Law, where he earned his Juris Doctor and Business Law Certificate in 2020.
During his time at law school, James Russell distinguished himself through academic excellence and community engagement. He was awarded the prestigious Schulich Scholarship and received recognition for achieving top grades in several courses. Demonstrating his commitment to service, James volunteered with the Dalhousie Wills Project and actively participated in the Dalhousie Christian Legal Fellowship. His legal acumen was further highlighted by his selection to represent Dalhousie at the Donald G.H. Bowman National Tax Moot in Toronto in 2020.
For James Russell, compassion is not merely an added benefit but a fundamental aspect of his legal practice, particularly within his specialization. He firmly believes that “compassion should not just be an “extra” that lawyers provide,” especially when assisting clients with Estate Planning, Estate Administration, and Capacity Law matters, where understanding and empathy are paramount.
Outside of his legal commitments, James enjoys spending quality time with friends and family, often indulging in his passion for board games. He and his wife take pride in their extensive and continuously expanding board game collection. James also values his involvement with his local church, reflecting his commitment to community engagement beyond his professional life as a lawyer.
Professional Qualifications & Education
- Nova Scotia Bar Admission (2021)
- Juris Doctor – Dalhousie University (2020)
- Business Law Certificate – Dalhousie University (2020)
- Bachelor of Commerce – Saint Mary’s University (2017)
Professional Associations & Membership in Community Organizations
- Member, Nova Scotia Barristers’ Society
- Member, Canadian Bar Association
- Member, Canadian Tax Foundation
- Member, Christian Legal Fellowship
